Record numbers of illegal puppies are being smuggled across the Channel into the UK ready for the "Christmas trade".

In three undercover operations the Dogs Trust seized 100 young dogs in just one week from Folkestone and Dover ports.

But the UK's largest dog welfare charity said the clampdown was "just the tip of the iceberg", and feared people looking for a cheap puppy would fuel the illegal trade.

The pups are found in "shocking conditions", with severe health issues.

Image copyrightDogs trustImage caption
This puppy has a skin infection from urine scalding

The Dogs Trust said it had come across seven Cane Corso pups with infected wounds after their ears and tails were cropped and docked, apparently using scissors and vodka.

According to the trust, high demand for "trendy" breeds such as French bulldogs, English bulldogs, Chow Chows and Dachshunds helped to fuel the "sickening trade", which can net bootleg breeders tens of thousands of pounds.

Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden said: "Buying an illegally imported puppy could potentially cost well-meaning but unsuspecting families thousands of pounds in quarantine and vet bills and emotional heartache for the family if the puppy falls ill or worse, dies.

"We continue to be astounded at the lengths these deceptive breeders and dealers will go to."

Under the Dogs Trust's "Puppy Pilot" scheme, 582 illegally smuggled puppies were rehomed between December 2015 and 18 October 2017. About 40 rescued puppies died from the poor conditions they suffered on the journey to the UK.